In many ways, Apple’s annual quartet of new iPhones can be neatly divided into two sets of identical twins. Last year’s iPhone 15 and 15 Plus only differ in screen size, body size, and battery capacity, and much the same can be said of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. But there are exceptions.
One feature that sets the 15 Pro Max apart from the rest of the lineup is its 5x optical zoom. Non-pro models are limited to tricks to reach 2x because they don’t have a telephoto lens and even the 15 Pro is stuck at 3x optical zoom because the new Tetraprism lens is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
But the Tetraprism lens – so named because it reflects light four times before it hits the sensor – won’t rema in a Pro Max exclusive for long. The latest report (via AppleInsider) states that starting in late 2024, both Pro handsets will receive this lens, and therefore both will have 5x optical zoom.
“Following the successful launch of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its proprietary Tetraprism telephoto lens, the industry is expected to see an increase in the adoption of periscopic lens modules,” the report notes. “Apple plans to bring this advanced hardware upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro, making it accessible to more Pro series users.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this rumor. And that makes sense in many ways. Apple likes to offer a feature exclusively for its most expensive products, but will then gradually filter them to the rest of the range. The Tetraprism was probably never limited to the Pro Max forever.
But that raises a question: Will anything replace the Tetraprism lens as the Pro Max’s unique selling point? We’ll find out in September, but until then you can stay up to date with all the latest news and rumors with our regularly updated iPhone 16 superguide. Or, if you can’t wait until fall to buy a new iPhone, get a great price on one of the current models with our roundup of the best iPhone deals.